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New Participants Thank you for considering earning your work-study award through the America Reads.
The overall goal of the America
Reads program is to help all children read better while creating a love for
books and reading. Reading aloud
and discussing great books with children and having them read to you is an
effective approach for reaching this goal.
The special attention you give as you read, talk, and listen to children
has the potential to change the course of their lives.
To be an America Reads reading
partner, you do not need to be an education major or have experience working
with children. What you do need are
enthusiasm, dedication, and the belief that one person truly can make a
difference in a young child’s life and in the community.
Training workshops and the information and resources will provide the basic training you need for the job.
But they are only the beginning — your experience on the job will teach
you valuable skills for interacting with children as you help them develop their
literacy skills. We encourage you
to reflect on and share your experiences, challenges, and successes with others
in the program through the on-line discussion group.
You will work closely with
your on-site supervisor (i.e., teacher, caregiver, librarian) who will acquaint
you with your placement site, the program philosophy, other staff, and resources
you may use, such as the library, resource room, computers, or art room.
Although your basic job responsibility is to read with children, your
on-site supervisor may also ask you to assume more responsibilities as you gain
experience working with the children. For
example, you may be asked to participate in or conduct other reading-related
activities or provide one-on-one tutoring for a child who needs additional help
in specific reading skills. The America
Reads coordinator and the on-site supervisor can assist you in preparing for
these additional responsibilities. In
addition, you may occasionally be asked to participate in other educational
activities. When you do, think
about how you can relate the activity to reading and writing.
For example, after finding a caterpillar, read and discuss a related book
such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Above all, we want you to take your job responsibilities seriously and enjoy and benefit from the work you do. Do not underestimate your power and influence when you work with children. They will watch and emulate your speech and actions. It is imperative that you act as a positive role model who truly enjoys reading and writing. Remember also, that you are one of thousands of college students across the nation participating in this important national effort. We hope your job with America Reads is a special time for sharing and learning for both you and the children.
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America Reads at Penn State Contact Priscilla Carman (814-865-1049 or
e-mail psc3@psu.edu) |
